Chicago: Classical Odissi dance and popular ballads of Pala and Daskathia were part of a programme to showcase the rich culture of Odisha at a convention of Orissa Society of the Americas (OSA) held in Chicago, a society functionary said on Wednesday.

About 1,400 people, including members of Indian diaspora in the US and delegates from Odisha, attended the 44th Convention of the OSA at Westin Hotel Lombard, a suburb of Chicago.

"Odissi, Daskathia, Jhoti Chita (the folk art drawn on floor and walls) and ethnic oriya foods were part of the cultural showcase at the convention," former OSA vice president Dhirendra Kar said.

The convention saw deliberations on the economic development of India and Odisha. National Innovation Council chairman Sam Pitroda addressed the gathering.

Dinanath Pathy, a versatile artist and creative writer from Odisha, and Padma Shri award winner and eminent writer Pratibha Ray were also present at the event.

A report on the 'Buddhist Heritage of Odisha' was also released on the occasion.

"The important feature of this year's convention was participation of large number of youngsters," Kar said.